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Hurricanes player ratings vs Highlanders | Super Rugby Pacific
The Hurricanes have surged up to first on the Super Rugby Pacific ladder with a hard-fought 29-14 win over the Highlanders at Forsyth Barr Stadium.
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After a thrilling first half, second half tries to Cam Roigard, Salesi Rayasi and James Blackwell saw the visitors run away with a convincing win.
But no bonus point – something coach Jason Holland said was “frustrating” on Sky Sport after the match. Here’s how the Hurricanes rated in the win.
- Josh Moorby – 7/10
Fullback Josh Moorby has quite impressive this season, and Saturday nights New Zealand derby was no different. Moorby works very hard, and that reflects quite well in his stat line. The outside back ran for almost 60 metres, got stuck in on the defensive side of the ball, and kicked well out of hand.
- Julian Savea – 5
‘The Bus’ wasn’t too busy on Saturday. Savea went missing for long periods of that match, but worked hard to get himself involved when and where he could. The winger had six carries for 20 metres, and also made four tackles.
- Billy Proctor – 8
Hurricanes centre Billy Proctor had another strong performance on Saturday night, as he continues to build on his promising start to the season. Proctor is one of the best defensive centres in New Zealand, but it was his attacking game that stood out tonight.
Proctor ran the ball 10 times for more than 80 metres, and also beat seven defenders. To put it simply, Proctor is a star of the future – but is getting it done today.
- Jordie Barrett – 8
The Hurricanes wouldn’t be the same team without Jordie Barrett. While it wasn’t the All Blacks’ best performance in a Canes jersey, his impact can’t be ignored. The star midfielder finished with 100 per cent tackle accuracy from eight attempts, and was also among the leaders for carries out of any Hurricanes player.
- Salesi Rayasi – 8.5
In-form winger Salesi Rayasi added another two tries to his season tally in round seven – having scored about 15 minutes into the game, and crossing for another with about 15 to play. Rayasi showed his speed, strength and athleticism with the first effort, and ran a brilliant supporting line to secure his brace.
In the end, Rayasi carried the ball 11 times for 40 metres, and also got stuck in on the defensive side of the ball.
- Aidan Morgan – 6.5
Aidan Morgan was given an opportunity to start in the No. 10 jersey this week after Brett Cameron was injured against the Force, and the rising star didn’t look out of place. No team wins at Super Rugby level without their flyhalf, so the scoreboard has to reflect on Morgan a bit.
But there were periods of the game where Morgan went missing – unable to make an impact as the likes of Cam Roigard, Jordie Barrett and Du’Plessis Kirifi took control.
- Cam Roigard – 8.5
Halfback Cam Roigard was certainly in the conversation for player of the match honours. The rising got off to a bit of a slow start, but quickly came alive midway through the first half – and he didn’t look back either.
Cam Roigard goes yoink 🥷#HIGvHUR #SuperRugbyPacific pic.twitter.com/riyCdkLBjr
— Super Rugby Pacific (@SuperRugby) April 8, 2023
Roigard looked cool, calm and collected throughout a statement game from the Counties scrum-half. Not only was his playmaking around the park quite brilliant, but the New Zealand also had an impressive amount of carries to his name at the break.
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Early in the second half, Roigard set up James Blackwell with some clever thinking. Then, shortly after, Roigard intercepted a flick pass from Folau Fakatava, and ran about 70 metres on his way to the try line.
I’ve said it before and I’ll probably say it again: Ian Foster, are you watching? If the All Blacks are looking for a bolter at this year’s World Cup, then they could do a lot worse than picking the Hurricanes’ No. 9.
- Xavier Numia – 6.5
Hurricanes prop Xavier Numia put in a solid shift throughout a thrilling first half. While Numia failed to make a significant impact, you can’t fault his work rate and desire. The front rower was penalised in the 19th minute though for collapsing at the scrum.
- Dane Coles – 6.5
It was a tough first half for All Blacks hooker Dane Coles. The Super Rugby veteran certainly packed a punch as he brought his trademark physicality to the contest, but was unable to make a defining impact against the Landers.
Coles only carried the ball twice and made four tackles, but it wasn’t all doom and gloom – the 36-year-old was practically perfect at the set-piece, having hit seven of his eight targets at the lineout.
- Tyrel Lomax – 7
Much like his prop partner Xavier Numia, Lomax didn’t stop running throughout a back-and-forth first term. It didn’t all go the Hurricanes way throughout the first half, and it certainly didn’t come easy as the forwards were locked in a titanic battle at the set-piece.
All Black Tyrel Lomax won a penalty at the scrum inside the opening five minutes. Around the park, Lomax made nine tackles on the defensive side of the ball – the second-most out of any Canes player by the time he went off.
- James Blackwell – 7.5
Every time James Blackwell plays for the Hurricanes, he gives his all. The lock is always in the thick of the action, and Saturday night was no exception. Blackwell finished with a staggering 11 carries to his name, and also made 11 tackles on the defensive side of the ball.
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The try-scoring hero crossed for a five-pointer early in the second half, as he fought his way over from close range. Blackwell was also a general at the set-piece.
- Dominic Bird – 7
Bird was a late callup to the Hurricanes starting XV after an injury to Isaia Walker-Leawere, and the veteran didn’t look out of place. The lock was one of the go-to players for Dane Coles and Asafo Aumua at the set-piece, and also made his mark around the field.
At the half-time break, Bird had made eight tackles and missed none – leading the Hurricanes on the defensive side of the contest at that stage.
- Brayden Iose – 7.5
Brayden Iose ran the ball with purpose and intent during his time out in the middle at Forsyth Barr Stadium. The flanker ran over Highlanders centre Fetuli Paea in the leadup to Salesi Rayasi’s first try – a sign of what was to come. With seven carries and nine tackles to his name, Iose can be proud of his performance tonight.
- Du’Plessis Kirifi – 8
Du’Plessis Kirifi regularly flies under the radar for the Hurricanes – at least this season. Time and time again, the flanker works tirelessly for his team, but sometimes doesn’t get the recognition he deserves. Well that changes tonight.
Kirifi was one of the Hurricanes’ best on Saturday, and it all started with impressive burst into the Highlanders 22. The flanker beat a couple of defenders on his 15 metre burst through the heart of the Landers’ defence.
By the end of the match, Kirifi finished with nine carries and 14 tackles to his name. Simply outstanding from the Wellington Lions captain.
- Ardie Savea – 8
World-class backrower Ardie Savea is a work horse. Each and every time he takes the field in a Canes jersey, he works his heart out for his team. The No. 8 made a try-saving tackle on Highlanders winger Jonah Lowe just before half-time, and also proved hard to stop on the attacking side of the contest.
Savea also won a penalty at the breakdown in the 33rd minute – with the Highlanders hot on attack as well.
Replacements:
- Asafo Aumua – 7.5
- Pouri Rakete-Stones – 7
- Owen Franks – 7
- TK Howden – 7.5
- Peter Lakai – 7.5
- Jamie Booth – 7
- Harry Godfrey – 7
- Peter Umaga-Jensen – 6.5
Comments on RugbyPass
Super rugby is struggling but that has little to do with sabbaticals. 1. Too many teams from Aust and NZ - should be 3 and 4 respectively, add in 2 from Japan, 1 possibly 2 from Argentina. 2. Inconsistent and poor refereeing, admittedly not restricted to Super rugby. Only one team was reffed at the breakdown in Reds v H’Landers match. Scrum penalty awarded in Canes v Drua when No 8 had the ball in the open with little defence nearby - ideal opportunity to play advantage. Coming back to Reds match - same scrum situation but ref played advantage - Landers made 10 yards and were penalised at the breakdown when the ref should have returned to scrum penalty. 3. Marketing is weak and losing ground to AFL and NRL. Playing 2 days compared with 4. 4. Scheduling is unattractive to family attendance. Have any franchises heard of Sundays 2pm?
8 Go to commentsAbsolutely..all they need is a chance in yhe playoffs and I bet all the other teams will be nervous…THEY KNOW HOW TO WIN IM THE PLAYOFFS..
2 Go to commentsI really hope he comes back and helps out with some coaching.
1 Go to commentsI think we are all just hoping that the Olympic 7s doesn’t suffer the same sad fate as the last RWC with the officials ruining the spectacle.
1 Go to commentsPersonally, I’ve lost the will to even be bothered about the RFU, the structure, the participants. It’s all a sham. I now simply enjoy getting a group of friends together to go and watch a few games a year in different locations (including Europe, the championship, etc). I feel extremely sorry for the real fans of these clubs who are constantly ignored by the RFU and other administrators. I feel especially sorry for the fans of clubs in the Championship who have had considerable central funding stripped away and are then expected to just take whatever the RFU put to them. Its all a sham, especially if the failed clubs are allowed to return.
9 Go to commentsI’m guessing Carl Hayman would have preferred to have stayed in NZ with benefit of hindsight. Up north there is the expectation to play twice as many games with far less ‘player management’ protocols that Paul is now criticising. Less playing through concussions means longer, healthier, careers. Carter used as the eg here by Paul, his sabbatical allowed him to play until age 37. OK its not an exact science but there is far more expectations on players who sign for Top 14 or Engl Prem clubs to get value for the huge salaries. NZR get alot wrong but keeping their best players in NZ rugby is not one of them. SA clubs are virtually devoid of their top players now, no thanks. They cant threaten the big teams in the Champions Cup, the squads have little depth. Cant see Canes/Chiefs struggling. Super has been great this year, fantastic high skill matches. Drua a fantastic addition and Jaguares will add another quality team eventually. Aus teams performing strongly and no doubt will benefit with the incentive of a Lions tour and a home RWC. Let Jordie enjoy his time with Leinster, it will allow the opportunity for another player to emerge at Canes in his absence.
8 Go to commentsLove that man, his way to despise angry little men is so funny ! 😂
4 Go to comments“South African franchises would be powerhouses if we had all our overseas based players back in situ. We would have the same unbeatable aura the Toulouses, Leinsters or Saracens of this world have had over the last decade or so.” Proof that Jake white does not understand the economics of the game in SA. Players earning abroad are not going to simply come back and represent the bulls. But they might if they have a springbok contract.
22 Go to commentsA lot of fans just joined in for the fun of it! We all admire O'Gara and what he has done for La Rochelle
4 Go to commentsThe RFU will find a way to mess this up as usual. My bet is there will be no promotion into the the Premiership, only relegation into National League One. Hopefully they won’t parachute failed clubs into the league at the expense of clubs who have battled for promotion.
9 Go to commentsWell that’s the contracts for RG and Jordie bought and paid for. Now, what are the chances we can persuade Antoine to hop over with all the extra dosh we’ll have from living at the Aviva & Croke next season…??? 🤑🤑🤑
14 Go to commentsWow, that’s incredible. Great for rugby.
14 Go to commentsYou probably read that parling is going to coach the wallaby lineout but if not before now you have.
14 Go to commentsIf someone like Leo Cullen was in O’Gara’s place I don’t hear Boo-ing. It’s not just that La Rochelle has hurt Leinster and O’Gara is their Irish boss. It’s the needle that he brings and the pantomime activity before the game around pretending that Munster were supporting LaRochelle just because O’Gara is from Cork. That’s dividing Irish provinces just to get an advantage for his French Team. He can F*ck right off with that. BOOOOO! (but not while someone is lying injured)
4 Go to commentsDid the highlanders party too hard before the game? They were the pits.
1 Go to commentsWhat a player! Not long until he’s in the England side, surely?
5 Go to commentsHe seems to have the same aura as Marcus Smith - by which I mean he’s consistently judged as if he’s several years younger than he actually is. Mngomezulu has played 24 times for the Stormers. When Pollard was his age he had played 24 times for South Africa! He has more time to develop, but he has also had time to do some developing already, and he hasn’t demonstrated nearly as much talent in that time as one would expect. If he is a generational talent, then it must be a pretty poor generation.
6 Go to commentsThe greatest Springbok coach of all time is entirely on the money. Rassie and Jacques have given the south african public a great few years, but the success of the springbok selection policy will need to be judged in light of what comes next. The poor condition that the provincial system is currently in doesn’t bode well for the next few years of international rugby, and the insane 2026 schedule that the Boks have lined up could also really harm both provincial and international consistency.
22 Go to commentsJake White is a brilliant coach and a master in the press. This is another masterclass in media relations and PR but its also a very narrow view with arguments that dont always hold water. White wants his team to win, he wants the best players in SA and wants his team competitive. You however have to face up to the reality of a poor exchange rate and big clubs with big budgets. SA Rugby cant compete and unless it can find more money SA players will keep leaving regardless of Springbok eligibility and this happened in 2015 - 2017. Also rugby is not cricket. Cricket has 3 formats and T20 cricket is where the money is at. When it comes to club vs country the IPL is king but that wont happen because the international calendar does not clash with the club calendar in rugby. So the argument about rugby going down the same path as cricket is really a non-starter
22 Go to commentsNZ rugby seem not to have learnt anything from professional rugby. Super rugby was dying and SA left before they died with the competition. SA rugby did a u turn on their approach to international players playing overseas and such players are now selected for Bok teams. As much as each country would love to retain their players playing in local competitions, this is the way the world is evolving my friends. Move with it or stay 20 years behind the times. One more thing. NZ rugby hierarchy think they are the big cheese. Take a more humble approach guys. You do not seem to have your players best interests at heart.
8 Go to comments